My Weblog

The Weight of the Camera

I love the way the weight of the camera conforms to my grip. The way each ridge of the dials respond to my touch to manipulate light and control depth and focus. I control what is allowed entrance through the glass, and what is recorded in pixels to be seen. Before I let all this power go to my head I must tell you I am as surprised as anyone when review the images for the first time. Of course I look for the ones everyone will love, the wide eyed smiling faces and the cuteness of a personality dancing in the sun. But the images that seem to feed my soul are those special moments in between; you know the ones. We are wrapping up and heading back to the car with a tired two year old, and mom's tender cuddles make a child's body soften and conform to her.

 

As my finger triggers the curtain to capture a moment in time. I breath a prayer that the impulse between eye and hand connect to reveal vibrancy of life that flows through relationships. I want parents to view with their eyes what only her heart has been able to see.

I have become voyeur of the soul of relationships.  My favorite moments are not when the whine of a child gives way to a smile, or quick feet slow in search of stick or ant hill. I long for the natural movements of parent and child that is known only to them. Tender cuddles, nuzzled noses, gripped faces, and whispered love feed my camera and my heart with moments that go by in a flash. I realize the passage of time moves our children out of grip way to soon, and I hope to preserve that image for as long as possible.

Fabi & Mike's Wedding

Bridgette & Steve at The Willows

Bridgette & Steve

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to work with my vocally gifted friend Bridgette, and the very talented keyboardist Steve. They were about ready to perform a duet and we were able to sneak in some photos on stage before the performance at The Willows at Brooking Park. A special thanks to Jeanie who gave me a tour of the beautiful surroundings.

Here's a couple of the duet hamming it up and having fun.

 

We called this one The Singer and her 12" Pianist. (I really like the shot)

Here are a couple of Bridgette by her self.

...and Steve by himself.

To see more of their images click here.

A New Do for Grace

I'd like you to meet my niece Grace. Actually she's my niece's daughter which makes her my great niece, and that she is. She, like her sisters Ava and Maya are gorgeous girls, and have been at the other end of my lens more than they would probably like.

I just received these pictures of Grace forfeiting 11 inches of her golden mane to Locks of Love. I just wanted to share her beautiful face, her stunning new do and a a brief story. Her mother told me she was a bit disgruntled when returning from school. Not one of her friends noticed the absence of her hair. Her mother, wise woman that she is, told her this is an important lesson. No one really looks at our hair or our clothes. I think we should all remember this when we are fighting our hair, or can't find a thing to wear. Who is really going to notice. I remember telling many of my personal training clients this when they would be apprehensive about going into the gym for the first time or after a long absence. People are much concerned with what they are doing and who's looking at them to notice any of the things we stress over every day.

This led me to reread one of my favorite and most comforting verses:

"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:27-34

Good Intentions for 2009

We are well on our way into 2009. Have you made your list of intentions or resolutions, or whatever you want to call your vision for 2009? I have found this years list to be more peaceful. Last years was filled with deadlines, to-do's, and big dreams. Some of which are still on the list this year, but I have found a certain reversal to my thought process this year. Last year I would feel guilty if I exercised instead of heading right to the computer to work. This year exercise is the priority as is finding enjoyable methods of breaking a sweat. Here's one of the most fun ways I've found.